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Taos Pueblo Travel Checklist

Taos Pueblo Travel Checklist

Taos Pueblo New Mexico, USA Travel Guide

Essential Preparations

Organize your travels with this chronological planning timeline.

Chronological Planning Timeline

Steps to take at various intervals before your trip.

1

Months Before

Book International Travel

Book international flights if arriving from abroad. Aim for Albuquerque (ABQ) or Santa Fe (SAF) as your arrival airport.

Secure Visa/ESTA

Apply for your US Visa or ESTA if needed for your nationality. This process may take time.

Consider Travel Insurance

Consider acquiring travel insurance for unforeseen events.

2

Month Before

Book Domestic & Lodging

Schedule flights within the country to ABQ, SAF, or Taos Regional Airport (TAS). Reserve a rental car if driving is your plan. Book your accommodation in Taos. Popular places fill swiftly during peak season.

Verify Taos Pueblo Hours

Confirm Taos Pueblo operating hours for your specific travel dates. Check their official website regularly.

Plan Itinerary & Health

Plan a rough itinerary. This aids in organizing your days. Check your routine vaccinations are current. Consult your doctor if needed.

3

Week Before

Confirm Reservations

Confirm all flight, accommodation, rental car, and tour reservations.

Packing & Banking

Pack your bags according to the Taothe weather in your planned activities. Layering is advisable. Notify your bank and credit card company of your travel plans to avoid card issues.

Digital & Document Prep

Download offline maps for navigation and any essential apps you plan to use. Make copies of important documents. Keep both digital and physical copies in a different place from the originals. Purchase a Digital Luggage Scale to check bag weight before heading to the airport.

Required Advance Bookings

Securing reservations ahead of time is important, especially during peak seasons.

Reservations

  • Flights, accommodations, and rental cars are best booked well in advance.
  • Specific tours, like rafting on rapids or hot air ballooning, also call for prior reservations.
  • Look into booking any popular dining experiences.

Pre-Trip Research Suggestions

Deepen Your Knowledge

  • Conduct a deep dive into Taos Pueblo's official website for cultural etiquette and current visitor status.
  • Read about New Mexico's history and unique culture. This deepens your appreciation of the region.
  • Explore local art and history movements that shaped Taos.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Ensure your home is secure and cared for in your absence.

Mail & Deliveries

  • Arrange for mail collection or forwarding.
  • Notify relevant services of your absence.

Pet & Plant Care

  • Make plans for pet care.
  • Arrange for plant watering.
  • Confirm caregiver availability.

Home Security

  • Secure your home by locking all doors and windows.
  • Set alarm systems.
  • Use timers for lights to make an occupied appearance.

Important: Travel Insurance

Consider travel insurance from providers such as World Nomads to cover unforeseen events like cancelled trips, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Arrival Checklist

These steps support a smooth settling-in once you reach Taos.

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • 1
    Customs & Immigration

    Clear immigration and customs if an international traveler.

  • 2
    Ground Transportation

    Pick up your rental car or meet your pre-booked shuttle service.

  • 3
    Local Currency & Check-in

    Acquire cash from an ATM if needed, as some smaller vendors at the Pueblo may prefer cash. Check into your accommodation.

Orientation & Getting Around

  • Map Orientation

    Utilize maps to familiarize yourself with Taos town and the route to Taos Pueblo. This clarifies the layout.

  • Visitor Center Visit

    Visit the Taos Visitor Center. They present local maps, brochures, and current information.

  • Initial Purchases

    Withdraw USD from an ATM, or exchange currency if not already done. Consider buying a LOCAL sim card if desired, for reliable phone service.

Departure Preparation

Souvenirs & Shipping

Pack souvenirs carefully, especially fragile pottery. Look into shipping larger items directly from Taos to your home, if needed.

VAT Refund Procedures

The United States lacks a nationwide VAT or sales tax refund program for tourists.

Pre-Departure Timing

Allow ample time for travel to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) or Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF). Factor in rental car return procedures and airport check-in times.

Packing Smart for Departure

Repack your luggage with care, verifying all belongings are accounted for. Ensure any restricted items are not in your carry-on.

Home Preparation

Steps to take at home to ensure a worry-free trip.

Mail & Deliveries

  • Arrange for mail collection or forwarding.
  • Notify relevant services of your absence.
  • Pause newspaper or other regular deliveries.
  • Inform a trusted neighbor of your travel dates.

Pet & Plant Care

  • Make plans for pet care, either with a sitter or boarding.
  • Organize someone to water your plants, especially if you have sensitive plants.
  • Confirm caregiver availability and provide instructions.
  • Leave emergency contact information for pet/plant caregivers.

Home Security Measures

Protect your home while you are away.

Checklist

  • Lock all doors and windows.
  • Set alarm systems (if applicable).
  • Unplug unnecessary electronics to save energy.
  • Set light timers to simulate occupancy.

Digital & Document Preparations

  • Download offline maps for navigation and any essential apps.
  • Have both electronic and paper copies of important documents (passport, ID, reservations).
  • Notify your bank and your credit card providers about your trip dates.
  • Purchase a digital luggage scale to verify bag weight.

Documents Storage

Keep scanned copies of papers on a secure cloud service or email them to yourself.

Store physical copies separately from originals, perhaps in a different bag or with a travel companion.